3/01/2011

Caramel de Lite Cookie Bars

I first saw this recipe over at Baking Bites about two years ago. I made them then and they were good, but I knew I needed to change a few things to my liking. Seeing how it is Girl Scout cookie season, I had a craving for those yummy Caramel de Lites (a.k.a. Somoas)--my favorites. However, I told my husband to keep the cookies he ordered at his work. What was I thinking?? Oh well, it gave me a chance to break out this recipe and make some changes.

The original recipe had a shortbread crust that was way too thick in my opinion. I love the taste and texture of my Nutella Pinwheel shortbread, so I used half that recipe for the base. Since there was less dough to press, I used a sheet of plastic wrap to help spread it into an even layer in the prepared baking pan. The original recipe called for dipping the bottom of the cut bars into melted chocolate, but I decided to spread the chocolate onto the crust and then to invert the whole thing to spread the caramel/coconut topping on. Nothing too difficult, but the warm topping will cause the chocolate layer to begin to melt so I popped it in the refrigerator to cool and set up. The other changes I made were to use half and half instead of milk in the topping and, as I wanted a touch more of the coconut flavor to come out, I added a little bit of coconut extract. In my opinion, these changes made for the perfect bar with the right crust to topping to chocolate ratio.

One might think that there is a lot of labor in making these and I won't lie, there are a few steps involved, but that is true when making any cookie bar. I must say, all that labor makes a whole lot of good. With this recipe, you can satisfy that Caramel de Lite craving any time of year.

*You can toast the coconut in the oven or on the stove top. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 300º F. Spread the coconut evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until golden. For the stove-top method, toast the coconut in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until, stirring frequently until the coconut is golden.

Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over edges for easy removal. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and blend. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour and salt. Mix until combined. Pour the crumbled dough into the prepared pan. Using a sheet of plastic wrap, evenly press the dough into the pan. Prick the dough several times with the tines of a fork. Bake until the crust is set and the edges are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Set on a wire rack to cool.

Meanwhile, in a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt 7 ounces of the chocolate on high for 1 minute. Stir and microwave at 10-15 second intervals if needed. Pour the melted chocolate over the shortbread crust and smooth using an off-set spatula. Set aside to cool and harden.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels, half and half, and salt. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stopping every 1 minute to stir. When the caramels have melted and the mixture is completely smooth, add the coconut and coconut extract.

Using the parchment overhang, remove the shortbread crust from the pan. Carefully invert the crust onto another sheet of parchment paper so that the chocolate layer is on the bottom and place on a baking sheet. Place spoonfuls of the caramel topping onto the crust. Working quickly, use an off-set spatula to spread the mixture into an even layer. To keep the chocolate layer from melting, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to set completely.

Once the chocolate is set and completely cooled, remove from the refrigerator. Transfer the parchment to a cutting board and cut into 24 bars. Melt the remaining 3 ounces of chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Using a piping bag, ziploc bag with the corner cut off, or a spoon, drizzle the chocolate over the cut bars. Allow the chocolate to set completely. Store in an airtight container in a cool location. Enjoy!

10 comments:

Nicole,Thank you so much for sharing some samples! The cookies were a hit, even more delicious than the Girl Scout's version. And what a great idea, to spread the chocolate and invert, rather than dip the bars.

I love the sounds of this recipe...can't wait to make them! I have a question....Do the "kraft caramels" make or break this recipe??? I have a recipe to make caramel from boiling a can of Eagle Brand Milk. I just love that caramel. In your opinion would that make a good substitute?This gets me thinking....how about peanut butter patties as car cookies??? Thanks

Joy-Boiling a can of Eagle Brand Milk sounds like making your own dulce de leche, of which I do and love as well, but in this recipe I would stick with the Kraft caramels. They really taste like the GS cookie caramel topping. Enjoy the recipe:)

This looks so perfect and wonderful. I love the caramel-y flavor of your cookie bars. My kids are already asking me to make some of this tomorrow. I think they love your recipe too. Thanks for this yummy recipe.